Page 74 of A Duke's Sinful Bargain
“I will be as long as I am with you,” he replied, pulling her close into an embrace. They remained like that for a long time, until she pulled away and headed toward the door.
“Just a few more days.” She smiled as she turned around. “And I will be the Duchess of Blackthorn. I like the sound of that.”
“So do I, my love,” he said, watching her blow a kiss to him, then disappear behind closed doors.
He glanced at Montague once again. It was as if the little pup was in a world of his own, sleeping the day away. Alexander smiled.
“I think you and I are going to get along very well, my boy,” he murmured more to himself than to Montague, then he found his seat at his writing table and focused on work.
Anna was right. Just a few more days…
Epilogue
Finally, the day had come. Anna could not believe it. It all felt like a dream, one she knew she would keep dreaming for the rest of her life.
The garden, aglow with the soft illumination of lanterns and the gentle shimmer of candlelight, was transformed into a magical haven for the grand wedding ball of the Duke and Duchess of Blackthorn. Truth be told, they were still waiting to be announced in that manner. The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of blossoming flowers, their vibrant colors adding a touch of nature’s elegance to the celebration.
A pathway adorned with delicate rose petals, just as Anna had envisioned it, led to a grand flower arch, where they were to be announced as the newlyweds under the title that they now shared. The arch, adorned with a tapestry of roses and greenery, stood as a symbol of their union, a gateway to a new chapter in both their lives.
Tables draped in crisp white linens were adorned with intricate floral centerpieces, each bouquet a masterpiece crafted by Eliza and her skilled hands. Anna looked resplendent in her regal gown, radiating happiness as she awaited the announcement while holding Alexander’s hand.
That announcement would mark the official beginning of their life together. Her eyes sparkled with joy and the anticipation of finally being known as the Duchess of Blackthorn filled her heart with enchantment.
As the guests mingled and laughed under the starlit sky, Anna’s excitement only seemed to intensify. She had opted against a wedding breakfast, which was her initial plan, and instead chose a ball for only close friends and family. The guests finally hushed into a gentle murmur, and the master of ceremonies prepared to announce the newlyweds. Anna felt a surge of emotion wash over her completely.
“Are you ready, my love?” Alexander asked, squeezing her hand to show her that they were in this together, now and forever.
“I have never been more ready, darling,” she replied.
The announcement was made. Her new title echoed through the garden, and a wave of excitement and joy followed it. The regal title bestowed upon her added a touch of weight to her shoulders, but she didn’t mind. The happiness of their union and the love they shared made Anna’s heart dance with giddiness.
The guests raised their glasses in a toast to the newly pronounced Duke and Duchess of Blackthorn. Anna smiled, joining in. She felt the enchantment of a fairy tale come to life. There was no other way to describe any of what she was feeling at that moment.
The orchestra’s melodies weaved through the air as Alexander led Anna to the center of the garden, designated for dancing. The rhythm filled the air around them, mirroring the beating of their united hearts.
“Are you happy, my love?” he asked.
“Beyond belief,” she assured him. “All my dreams have come true.”
He didn’t say anything to that. Instead, they started to sway to the music and the onlookers, captivated by the couple’s elegance and the palpable love between them, couldn’t help but be drawn into the enchantment of the moment. Anna smiled at Alexander as he guided her through the dance with a confident and tender touch. Soon after, more couples joined them, and it had truly become a celebration in every meaning of the word.
After their dance, they continued to converse with the guests, the loudest of whom was, of course, Lady Pentor.
“Have you heard, my dear—pardon me, it is Your Grace now.” Lady Pentor chuckled respectfully.
“You know I am not much for titles,” Anna admitted with a shy smile.
“A title is a title, my dear,” Lady Pentor reminded her. “Be proud to have it, especially since your husband has bestowed it upon you.”
“You are right.” Anna beamed. “What is it you wished to share with me, Lady Pentor?” She figured it was some silly gossip that Lady Pentor felt obliged to share. Anna wanted to be polite, so she feigned interest. However, the mention of a familiar name truly piqued her interest.
“About Lady Genevieve,” Lady Pentor said in a conspiratorial manner.
“What about her?” Anna wondered. Lady Genevieve was the last person Anna wished to discuss at that moment, but she reminded herself that it didn’t matter. Alexander was now her husband, and she his wife. Nothing would ever stand in the way of their happiness.
“She was sent away from London,” Lady Pentor divulged.
Anna thought about it for a moment. Upon being pressed regarding the matter, Tom had revealed that Alexander had received a letter from Lady Genevieve, but that he did not even open it to see what was inside.
